Nelson Lakes National Park Three Day Walks Package

From valley low to mountain high, from azure lakes to the forest foliage, Nelson Lakes National Park is a gem among New Zealand’s wilderness areas. We explore the park over three days, conversing with the magnificent alpine beech forest and soaking in views of glacial formed valleys and lakes. Based in comfortable accommodation in St Arnaud, each day we return after an exhilarating day’s trekking to enjoy restaurant dining, hot showers and a comfortable bed. This is hiking in New Zealand at its best!

Why not join Southern Wilderness for the trip of a lifetime in the Nelson Lakes National Park

NB. Because Nelson Lakes is an alpine area, the order of the following day walks is dependent on weather conditions to allow the best views on the mountain sections.

OVER THE THREE DAYS WE WILL CHOOSE FROM THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS:

Option 1 – Mt Robert (approx. 4 hours/6km)

We begin in Nelson with pick-ups from your accommodation and drive to the Nelson Lakes region. We drive to the Mt Robert car park to begin our ascent via Paddy’s Track to Bushline Hut. Enjoy a cuppa while soaking in the spectacular views of Lake Rotoiti, beech forest & the valleys beyond. Take the opportunity to gain a higher perspective and look into the Mt Robert Ski Field basin. We descend via the Pinchgut Track, weaving in & out of lush beech forest.

Option 2 – Lake Track, Lake Rotoiti (approx. 3-7 hours/9-19km) Depending on group and weather conditions, we have the option of either a long or short guided walk. Long option: we take a water taxi up Lake Rotoiti to Cold-water Hut, from there walking up the Travers Valley for 1 & a half hours to the Travers swing bridge. Crossing the river, we make our way back to Lake Head Hut (start short option) and stroll back through enchanting beech forest on the lake’s eastern side to St Arnaud.

Option 3 – Lake Rotoroa Waterfall Walk and the Black Hill Walk (approx. 6 hours/16km) Today sees us explore the shores of Lake Rotoroa, with a walk through some ancient Podocarp trees up to a picturesque waterfall. Many birds abound in this section of the forest. It is also a great time to see the “other” Lake- Lake Rotoroa. We then drive back to Lake Rotoiti to walk on a hill formed by the glacial movement of thousands of years gone by, through mature Kanuka and Manuka forest, with flaking bark and tangled Lichen beards, the trees shelter an underworld of fungi and mossy boulders.

This trip can be run on any selected date with a group of two or more.

Includes two nights ensuite accommodation at the Alpine Lodge on a double, or twin share basis (single supplement is an additional $100 NZ on request subject to availability) all meals including restaurant dining each evening, guiding services and transport ex. Nelson.